The fifth member of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class range is here; the E-Class Cabriolet. The latest open-top slots in between the C-Class Cabriolet and the S-Class Cabriolet, which also complements the trio of two-seat roadsters, the SLC, SL, and the GT Roadster.

This latest iteration of the fabric-roofed E-Class has been reengineered over its now seven-year-old predecessor; high-strength steel is employed to reinforce the Cabriolet’s structure in order to have a level of rigidity on par with the Coupe‘s. Most of the E-Class cabriolet’s bodyshell is made of die-cast aluminium and steel, while the front fenders, bonnet and boot lid are made of aluminium.

The comprehensive revision of the E-Class Cabriolet allows a considerable stretching of its dimensions, inside and out. It’s 4,826 mm long with a 2,873 mm wheelbase, 1,860 mm wide and 1,428 mm tall. Compared to its predecessor the latest cabrio is 123 mm longer overall and 113 mm longer between axles, 74 mm wider and 30 mm taller, while front and rear track widths have grown 67 mm and 68 mm respectively.

This translates to an increase in rear legroom of 102 mm, while headroom, shoulder room and elbow room up front have also increased for this four-seater. Passive safety for occupants now include five airbags as standard fit, with four more optional, including front headbags and side airbags for the rear passenger compartment.

For rollover protection, the Cabriolet includes a pair of cartridges integrated into the rear bulkhead, behind the rear seats. If the car detects that a rollover is imminent, the beams are fired pyrotechnically through a trim panel to provide an additional survival space for its occupants.

On the powertrain front for Europe at least, the E-Class Cabriolet is planned to receive the same line-up as the Coupe, comprising three petrols and one diesel. Starting with the E 200, a 2.0 litre turbo four provide 181 hp, joined by the E 300 which extracts 242 hp from the same 2.0 litre four-cylinder powerplant.

Inside, the E-Class Cabriolet boasts the Aircap draught-stop and Airscarf neck-level heating systems aimed at providing calm surroundings for its occupants, while an insulated acoustic soft-top provides protection against the heat and cold. The leather is heat-reflecting for more pleasant temperatures, while an optional, programmable auxillary heater provides extra warmth in colder climes.

A relaxed demeanour should the the order of the day for a four-seater convertible such as this, and the 15 mm-lower suspension relative to the W213 E-Class sedan is tuned for comfort, according to Mercedes-Benz. Its Direct Control suspension employs an amplitude-dependent damping system as standard, while Dynamic Body Control with adjustable damping is an option, allowing the choice of Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes.

Air Body Control air suspension is also an option on the E-Class Cabriolet like on the sedan, which adjusts damping characteristics for each individual wheel. Both Dynamic Body Control and Air Body Control options are configurable with Dynamic Select, offering the choice of different suspension, transmission and Eco start/stop settings with Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual; the latter allowing customised settings.

Instrumentation is similar to that of the E-Class sedan: analogue instruments and a 8.4-inch infotainment monitor come standard, while the dual 12.3-inch digital displays – as also seen on the E-Class sedan – are optional. Like the rest of the E-Class range, the steering wheel for the Cabriolet will feature Blackberry-style touchpads on its horizontal spokes for the control of the digital displays; voice commands can also be used.

Unique to the Cabriolet in the E-Class range is the optional Magic Vision Control, a windscreen wash and wipe system refined for use on the open-topped car. When the car’s top is down, the Cabriolet mode reduces the amount of water sprayed, and also times the water supply to mainly output on the downward stroke of the wiper arm, to prevent water being sprayed into the interior.

Water supply ducts which are integrated into both sides of the wiper blade spray water just in front of the wiper blade, depending on its direction of movement, which Mercedes says allows cleaning without the brief disruption of view typical of windscreen washer spray.

The latest E-Class Cabriolet’s arrival also marks the 25th anniversary of the first E-Class Cabriolet, which also sees the arrival of a 25th Anniversary Edition of the latest model with either a red metallic or silver exterior paint with a red roof, 20-inch wheels with a beige and red interior, plus to an enhanced feature list.

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

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